Religious body breaks century old tradition, allow non-veg food in premises

Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a religious organization founded by Swami Pranabananda, has allowed non-vegetarian food items like eggs, meat or fish in its kitchen.

Kolkata: Breaking a 104-year-old tradition, Bharat Sevash-ram Sangha, a religious organization founded by Swami Pranabananda, has allowed non-vegetarian food items like eggs, meat, or fish in its kitchen. The Sangha authorities have set up a hospital for the COVID-19 positive patients and the rule was winked at to provide proper protein diet to the COVID-19 positive patients.

On Friday, Sangha authorities inaugurated the COVID-19 hospital at Garia in the southern outskirts of Kolkata. Two floors have been allocated for such patients. It was initiated by a former student of the Sangha, Rajib Dutta. He had set up this hospital in active cooperation with Athena Educational and Welfare Trust. The priests in the Sangha decided to break away from the tradition, considering the need of the hour is to help patients.

Initially, 25 beds were allotted for the COVID-19 positive patients in the hospital. Later, five additional beds were provided. Oxygen supply is facilitated for 20 beds. They mainly accommodate patients with comorbidity and oxygen saturation level above 85 but do not have home quarantine facilities.

A total of three patients have been admitted so far. Two doctors and four nursing staff are there round the clock. In addition to that, there are 12 volunteers to assist them.

The Sangha was founded by Swami Pranabananda in 1971.